Boosting Trade and Investment
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and Egypt’s Ministry of Trade & Industry, organized a high-level business roadshow to pave the way for the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2023). The event, scheduled to take place from November 9th to 15th in Cairo, aims to promote trade and investment opportunities under the AfCFTA between Egypt and the rest of Africa.
Driving Economic Integration
Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Afreximbank, highlighted the significance of the IATF in fast-tracking Africa’s economic integration through the AfCFTA. He emphasized the need to overcome the lack of trade and market information within the continent, a challenge rooted in historical divisions. The IATF serves as a platform for Africans to understand their markets, foster intra-African trade, and strengthen regional linkages.
Expanding Opportunities
The IATF2023 is expected to attract more than 1,600 exhibitors, over 35,000 visitors, buyers, and conference delegates from all 55 African countries, along with international participants. With trade and investment deals valued at over US$43 billion, the event presents extensive business opportunities. Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of IATF2023 Advisory Council, encouraged the business community to seize these opportunities and explore the immense potential for trade and collaboration. Egypt, having benefited significantly from the previous edition held in Cairo in 2018, stands to gain from the IATF as a marketplace under the AfCFTA.
